Gainey to present report on first 90 days

ASHEBORO — Dr. Stephen Gainey, superintendent of Randolph County Schools, will present a report on his first 90 days in office at Monday night's meeting of the Randolph County Board of Education.

ASHEBORO — Dr. Stephen Gainey, superintendent of Randolph County Schools, will present a report on his first 90 days in office at Monday night’s meeting of the Randolph County Board of Education.

The four-page, single-spaced written report details the interactions he’s had with board members, school employees, students and the community to learn about the school system and the community since becoming superintendent on July 1.

“I feel very happy about them,” he said Thursday in regard to these interactive activities he conducted in July, August and September. He referred to the 90-day report during his twice-a-month meeting at which Gainey and his leadership team interact with local media — one of his areas of focus to create dialogue regarding current school events and issues.

Gainey also said he was excited about the interaction he’s having with the board members.

“We’re learning,” he said about himself and another new member of the school district’s team, Cat Berry, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, who was also formerly with Wake County Schools. “They’re learning about me,” he also said.

A work session will precede Monday’s meeting for the second straight month for discussions between board members and the leadership team on various topics, not necessarily ones on the agenda. This month there will be a quarterly budget update, which is a new report that’s been started for the board’s review, a student assignment net transfer report and information related to ACT/SAT plans, grant procedures and field trip policies. No action is taken during a work session.

On Thursday, Gainey also pointed out that there won’t necessarily be a lot of action taken by the board during its regular meetings. This month, action is scheduled on a budget amendment and revisions to nine policies, as part of the consent agenda; voting delegates for the 44th annual N.C. School Boards Association Conference next month in Greensboro; personnel, and consideration of an offer for purchase of a Career and Technical Education house constructed in 2006 by students but never sold due to the economy.

And, for a second month, Gainey noted, that there will be an “opportunity to recognize kids again.”

He was referring to the STAR3 program begun in September to give recognition to “Students That are Respectful, Responsible and doing the Right thing.” Eleven will be honored Monday; their parents and school representatives are invited to be present.

For a second month board members will have time to make comments about school activities during the meeting, as will the superintendent.

The board will meet at the Central Services board room at the Ira McDowell Center, 2222 S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro. The 6:30 p.m. regular monthly meeting will be preceded by the board work session from 4-6 p.m.